With the aim of taking cinema to people living in the remotest parts of the country, Sushil Chaudhary, the founder and CEO of Picturetime Digiplex, came up with the idea of building a portable digital theatre. Consisting of a huge movable container with an inflatable tent to accommodate 120-180 people, a sound system and a cinema screen, the mobile digital movie theatres are a cost-effective solution to provide the big-screen experience in places where it is difficult to build a traditional theatre.
At the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) this year, three of Picturetime’s mobile digital theatres will showcase an array of films in the mountains. The festival is scheduled to take place from November 7 to November 10, screening some independent films and documentaries. We had a conversation with Sushil on incorporating the portable theatres for DIFF this year, how would it be helpful for filmmakers, its sustainability in the age of OTT, and more.
How did you conceive of the idea of portable digital movie theatres?
According to me, cinema is a source of joy, connection, and inspiration that no one should be deprived of. While multiplexes have transformed the movie-watching experience in urban centres, they remain largely out of reach for rural communities, who are left without the immersive, grand experience of cinema. The real challenge has been that traditional single-screen cinemas, particularly in rural areas, couldn’t adapt to changing times, leading to the decline of the beloved ‘tambu talkies.’ This conviction, along with my lifelong love for cinema, is what sparked the idea for Picturetime. Our mobile digital movie theatre concept is designed to overcome the barriers of real estate and heavy regulation, creating a portable solution that can bring the latest films to the most remote parts of India. My hope is that every town and village can enjoy a truly cinematic experience, reconnecting them with the magic of the big screen.
What are some of the features of the mobile theatres?
Each mobile theatre is equipped with advanced DCI projection technology, ensuring exceptional visual clarity and colour accuracy that rivals traditional cinemas. Additionally, the Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound system creates an immersive sound environment, drawing viewers deeply into the storytelling. The seating is another highlight—featuring premium pushback chairs, carefully arranged for optimal sightlines, ensuring each viewer has a comfortable, uninterrupted experience. Essentially, watching a film in one of our mobile digital theatres feels just like stepping into a high-quality multiplex, but with the added convenience of proximity.
How will the theatres be incorporated during DIFF this year?
This year at DIFF, we are thrilled to elevate the cinematic experience with enhanced technology and expanded venues. In our early years with DIFF, we offered fewer screens and more basic projection and sound systems. But this year, we’ve significantly upgraded, bringing in two of our Mobile Digital Movie Theatres (MDMTs) and transforming the main auditorium into a world-class cinematic venue. These upgrades will allow DIFF attendees to experience films as they should be, adding a new dimension to this year’s festival.
How would Picturetime be helpful for filmmakers and artists?
India produces over 2,000 films each year, yet the journey from production to public release is far from easy or democratic for most filmmakers. Limited screens, high distribution costs, and a centralised cinema infrastructure often prevent smaller films, regional content, and independent filmmakers from reaching a wider audience. At Picturetime, we are working to democratise this process by providing a multiplex-level experience through our mobile theatres, equipped with DCI and e-cinema compliance, that can host film releases across the country.
For instance, at festivals like the Himalayan Film Festival in Ladakh, our theatres allow regional filmmakers to showcase their work, reaching audiences who may otherwise never have the chance to experience these unique stories.
In the day and age of OTT, do you think having a mobile theatre would turn out to be sustainable?
Absolutely, mobile theatres hold significant relevance and promise even in the age of OTT. While OTT platforms have changed the way audiences consume content, they also fuel a deeper desire to experience stories on the grandeur of the big screen. The growth of OTT has, in fact, created an appetite for diverse storytelling, and our mobile theatres are uniquely positioned to meet this need by presenting films in a way that elevates the shared cinematic experience. As OTT and big-screen experiences grow alongside each other, Picturetime’s mobile theatres can sustainably serve audiences and support the film industry by expanding the reach of cinema beyond urban centres.
Is the aim to compete with multiplexes or create an alternate space where films can be taken to remote areas?
The goal of Picturetime is not to compete with multiplexes but to create an alternative space that expands the reach of cinema, especially to remote and underserved regions in India. While multiplexes continue to grow, they often struggle with high operational costs, making them accessible only in urban centres. Picturetime’s model, by contrast, is both cost-efficient and operationally lean, enabling us to deliver a premium cinematic experience without the overhead of traditional theatres. Beyond cinema, we envision our mobile theatres as lifestyle hubs ‘familyplexes’—where communities can come together not only to watch films but also to enjoy food, retail, and other activities.
How do you see portable theatres doing in the future across the world?
Mobile Digital Movie Theatres like Picturetime have a promising future on the global stage. With their flexibility and efficiency, they offer a solution that meets the needs of regions with limited access to cinema, such as parts of Africa, and even areas in Europe where cost-effective cinema options are in demand.
Looking ahead, we envision Picturetime becoming an international platform. We are already exploring global opportunities, with MOUs in place in countries like Zimbabwe and plans to participate in prestigious film festivals such as Cannes. This global interest has driven us to develop Picturetime to meet international standards, setting the stage for expansion beyond India in the near future.